A West Helena man is accused of using an extension cord on his two children, causing injuries, authorities said.

Robert Owens Alexander, 30, faces two counts of first-degree domestic battery. He was being held in the Pulaski County jail early Friday after being arrested shortly after midnight on a warrant in West Helena. He was then transported back to Little Rock, where the batteries are alleged to have occurred at a home on Eva Lane.

Police said in an arrest report that Alexander hit his 8- and 9-year-old sons with the extension cord, causing injuries on their faces, necks, backs, arms and legs.

According to a separate police incident report, police began investigating the April 12 batteries after being contacted by a Division of Children and Family Services worker who took photos of "very visible" marks on the children's backs and legs.

The boys' mother told investigators Alexander used the cord after the children "got in trouble" and that she "tried to stop him but then he struck her and pushed her out of the way," the incident report said.

Alexander is being held without bail pending an initial court appearance.